Don't fret, company-run petrol pumps to stay open on Sundays

Bengaluru: The proposed move to keep petrol pumps shut on Sundays from May 14 onwards has evoked mixed reaction from dealers and consumers.The office-bearers of Consortium of India Petroleum Dealers (CIPD), which has good presence in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, have said this decision was taken in line with Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s vision to reduce fuel consumption.  CIPD has no presence in other parts of the country.

A manager of an Indian Oil petrol pump said, "Not all petrol pumps will remain closed. Only the dealer operated outlets will remain closed on Sundays. As our pump is company oriented, it will remain open 24/7.” He said there was no clarity about the issue and no formal announcement has been made. “I am also aware through the news and the forwarded messages on social media," he added.

An owner of a dealer oriented petrol pump said, "If they declare Sunday a holiday, it will not be profitable for us to shut it down and I do not want the public to face any inconvenience. I will follow the rules only if there is any notice from the Indian Oil Company. “

The news has evoked concern among motorists. Renuka Prasad said, “This would initially affect us, but gradually we will get used to it and eventually manage it."

Another commuter Bhaskar Kallupalli was not that optimistic. He said, "I would be affected, because I am generally free only on weekends and I get time to fill petrol only on Sundays."